Police in Uasin Gishu County intercepted a lorry carrying bhang worth more than Sh3 million during a pre-dawn operation in Maili Nne, arresting two suspects and launching a manhunt for a third, Tuesday, July 30. The drugs, smuggled from a neighboring country, were en route to Likoni, Mombasa, where they were to be sold to local dealers.
Community tip-off leads to successful interception
According to Baharini Police Station, the operation began at around 2 a.m. following a tip-off from community members. Officers pursued a suspicious lorry with three occupants. At approximately 4 a.m., they intercepted the vehicle near the Maili Nne area.
“Two suspects were arrested on the spot while the third fled on foot,” said [SERVICE] Commander Mwanthi. “A search revealed 12 bags of bhang hidden in the lorry.”
Truck trafficking trend raises concern
Commander Mwanthi confirmed the drugs were being transported in a commercial lorry — a growing tactic by traffickers to avoid detection. “We’ve seen a shift from the use of private vehicles to larger trucks. We’re adapting our methods accordingly to counter this strategy,” he said.
He added that police are working closely with the Truck Owners Association and its Secretary General to identify and monitor suspect vehicles. “Some truck owners may unknowingly become tools for traffickers. We urge them to inform us whenever their trucks pass through Uasin Gishu for safety checks.”
Police have also initiated the legal process to forfeit the lorry to the state as it was used in the commission of a crime.
Suspects to appear in court as crackdown intensifies
The two arrested individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Meanwhile, police are actively pursuing the third suspect who escaped during the operation.
Commander Mwanthi emphasized the urgency of issuing harsher sentences to drug traffickers to deter further crimes. “Drug trafficking is a menace that endangers our youth. We need strong judicial action,” he said.
Officials urge school safety and public vigilance
Mwanthi also urged school administrators to allow the deployment of sniffer dogs during term openings, particularly in high schools and colleges, to prevent drugs from reaching students. “Bhang consumption ruins lives and jeopardizes futures,” he warned.
Echoing his sentiments, County Criminal Investigation Officer Daniel Muleli appealed to residents for vigilance. “If the bhang had reached its destination, it could have ended up with students and youth. We must work together to stop this poison from destroying an entire generation.”
Police call for united fight against drugs
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity as part of a broader campaign to combat narcotics. “We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears,” said Muleli.
